Today is my first 10 mile run and my first race. The fact that doesn't start until 3pm kind of stresses me out! I'm definitely a morning person! Oh well... I am going to run it and be happy that I am running. It is perfect weather, partly sunny and temps around 60°. The race is 90% unpaved packed trail. I'll take some photos at the start and finish.

My training was getting a bit stale, so something different today, a bit of a speed session. 2nd mile I thought I'd try and crack 6 mins... didn't quite get there lol. Gassed 3/4 of the way through. A few 200m after that and jog back home.

Good morning First Time Half - Marathoners!Wednesday:12 miles 2:07:09 - 10:36 avg. pace - easy.Hilly trail. Just what the "doctor" ordered except I need to experiment further on the rock plate. Similar mileage today except to make it easier I'll split it into a more manageable double; 6/6 or 8/4. Have a great day!

10 Mile race is in the bag! It was such a great time! I loved it. I should run more races! My goal was 1:40 and my time... 1:40:07. I felt great all the way except for a pain on the side of my left knee from my ITband starting at around 12 kilometers. I just ignored it and kept my pace. I was steady though out, I didn't drop or rise more than a few seconds per kilometer the whole way. It is exactly a 10 min mile. I am happy and since my HM is not until October I am planning to do some speed work.

Well, after thinking about it for a few weeks, I decided I'm going to spend the summer training for the Newport Liberty Half Marathon on September 22 in Jersey City, NJ! The start line is exactly 1 mile from my apartment, and the course goes through my neighborhood two times! I figured if I was going to do a half, this had to be it. Being at sea level, the course is flat and has great NYC views. I never thought I would be excited to run 13.1 miles!

At this point my goal is to finish, and at this point I think I could comfortably finish in 2:30.

I just ran my first 1/2 last weekend. 2:50... Not that fast but my goal was to finish. Yea me! Now 4 days later I am still so tired that I can barely function. Is this normal? What can I do to "recharge my batteries"?

^^ Either you're ill or your level of fitness was pushed well beyond it's current state. Unlike many runners I didn't progress from shorter races, stair step style, to longer distances. I went from 3 mile XC races to a 15 mile road race [training run] and ran 4 marathons before entering my 1st half marathon race. I'm usually able to function the next day following even a hard half marathon.

I endured a very difficult half marathon last weekend where I became ill the night before and ran 20 minutes slower than my last half but bounced back the next day and ran 8 miles and two days later 12 miles. I ran another 12 yesterday. I'm sure I'm not fully recovered from my race but all of these were very easy runs. My hamstrings are still a little tight from the race. I'm sure you'll be feeling better by the weekend, at which point you should get back out there and run easy for another week.

Now 4 days later I am still so tired that I can barely function. Is this normal? What can I do to "recharge my batteries"?

I don't think that is normal unless like Moth said you pushed yourself way beyond your limits! Is it that your muscles are sore or are you feeling weak and run down? I would think sore muscles would be more on the normal side and you should stretch and do some light exercise like walking or swimming. If you are run down I would try drinking things like Gatorade, eat healthy and try to rest. If your still not feeling well I would go to the doctor. Good luck with that and I hope you feel better soon and get back to running!!!!

10 Mile race is in the bag! It was such a great time! I loved it. I should run more races! My goal was 1:40 and my time... 1:40:07.

W00T W00T!! Well done...

Originally Posted by fmficarra:

I just ran my first 1/2 last weekend. 2:50... Not that fast but my goal was to finish. Yea me! Now 4 days later I am still so tired that I can barely function. Is this normal? What can I do to "recharge my batteries"?

That doesn't sound good. My first call is always dehydration, but after 4 days, I might consider seeing a doc. Well done finishing though!!!

Good morning First Time Half - Marathoners!Wednesday: 12 miles 2:07:09 - 10:36 avg. pace - easy. Hilly trail. Just what the "doctor" ordered except I need to experiment further on the rock plate. Similar mileage today except to make it easier I'll split it into a more manageable double; 6/6 or 8/4. Have a great day!

10 Mile race is in the bag! It was such a great time! I loved it. I should run more races! My goal was 1:40 and my time... 1:40:07. I felt great all the way except for a pain on the side of my left knee from my ITband starting at around 12 kilometers. I just ignored it and kept my pace. I was steady though out, I didn't drop or rise more than a few seconds per kilometer the whole way. It is exactly a 10 min mile. I am happy and since my HM is not until October I am planning to do some speed work.

Congrats! Great race!!!

Originally Posted by jcjoy:

Well, after thinking about it for a few weeks, I decided I'm going to spend the summer training for the Newport Liberty Half Marathon on September 22 in Jersey City, NJ! The start line is exactly 1 mile from my apartment, and the course goes through my neighborhood two times! I figured if I was going to do a half, this had to be it. Being at sea level, the course is flat and has great NYC views. I never thought I would be excited to run 13.1 miles!

At this point my goal is to finish, and at this point I think I could comfortably finish in 2:30.

Originally Posted by fmficarra:

I just ran my first 1/2 last weekend. 2:50... Not that fast but my goal was to finish. Yea me! Now 4 days later I am still so tired that I can barely function. Is this normal? What can I do to "recharge my batteries"?

Originally Posted by MothAudio:

Originally Posted by MothAudio:

Originally Posted by MothAudio:

Originally Posted by MothAudio:

Good morning First Time Half - Marathoners!Wednesday: 12 miles 2:07:09 - 10:36 avg. pace - easy. Hilly trail. Just what the "doctor" ordered except I need to experiment further on the rock plate. Similar mileage today except to make it easier I'll split it into a more manageable double; 6/6 or 8/4. Have a great day!

I am running my first half in July here in Seattle. Its the See Jane Run Women's half. I am beyond excited!

About to hit my half way point in training, and I have to say the last week has not been a good one. I've been feeling tired and un motivated. I have cut some of my runs this weeks by a mile or two and taken walk breaks as well as taken them all easy. I have gotten to a point of fitness that I dont ever feel the need to have walk breaks. I dont know whats going on!

I have a 10 miler scheduled for this weekend, and my goal is to go the whole 10 without walk breaks. Then it will be a major reset next week, not only physically but mentally. I gotta figure this one out!

Any suggestions or tips that have worked for anyone in their training??

I am running my first half in July here in Seattle. Its the See Jane Run Women's half...I have to say the last week has not been a good one. I've been feeling tired and un motivated. I have cut some of my runs this weeks by a mile or two and taken walk breaks as well as taken them all easy. I have gotten to a point of fitness that I dont ever feel the need to have walk breaks. I dont know whats going on!

I have a 10 miler scheduled for this weekend, and my goal is to go the whole 10 without walk breaks. Then it will be a major reset next week, not only physically but mentally. I gotta figure this one out!

Any suggestions or tips that have worked for anyone in their training??

Just finsihed my first half Cassidy and I remember some weeks like the one you are describing. I think sometimes we just increase our work load to the point where we have taxed ourselves a little too much too fast. Think cutting runs short is fine, but think if you have a few days of being worn out then makes sense to take an extra day off (especially if you are running 5/6 days a week). It is possible that it is sleep, food or water but you would probably have figured that out. So yeah I would take an unscheduled day off and then see how you feel. We are all unique and think you will learn your body through some trial and error. For me I run my best after two days off. I know I cant do that in regular training but when I need to take two days off in a row, I find I come back reset and ready to go. I also think it should be fun, and it is fun when you are sitting at home and you just feel you need to run.

The other thing that will happen eventually is that you feel tired and then you just know you can still run and you go and run and after a few miles you start to feel good. The trick there is to start slow and then just see if you have it or not. But soon you will find that you can run through the tiredness better than you can now. You will find I think that it is normal to have to slog out a couple of training runs until you take your rest day to get back in synch. There is a fine line i think between the times when you should take a day off and the times when you should slog through a run. I think the experienced runners learn their bodies and are able to make the call more accurately than we can when we start.

Like for example I ran my half this past Sunday, my legs were wooped two days after, i went out anyway, but the runs probably did not give me too much as I am still recovering from the week end. It is a tight call what to do. What i do though is protect my weekly long runs. I make sure I am feeling pepper for the long runs.

Moth - my legs have been gone since the race too, did 8 miles tuesday -9:55, 4.5 on weds 9:10 and today 8 miles but knew i had to crawl and went 10:35. But doing a 10k race on the week end. How does that work, no races for 4 years then two back to back lol. But going to take two days off now before the 10k race.

My plan is to move from the current 30-32 miles a week to increase slowly to 50 over the next 6/7 weeks while keeping the pace slow enough to assure I can get the miles. Then will try and put in some tempo work again every Tuesday while keeping around 50 miles. Have 24 weeks before my first marathon.

CASSIDY; I am the queen of ups and downs in running! I have really good weeks and then weeks where I think maybe running is not my thing. Just a few weeks ago I said I was going to stop and distances over 5k after my HM, but now I am back on track and just ran my first 10 mile race yesterday. I think what Blake said is correct, you just have to either take a few days off completely or run slower and shorter. I get stuck in ruts when I have a couple of bad runs and assume that I'm just never going to get better, but it is usually right before another break through. Take care of yourself and let go of some of the pressure you may be putting on yourself.

JCJOY: Good luck on your HM! Having one just outside your door sounds great! I would love that!

I feel great this morning after my 10 miles. I'm not even sore EXCEPT for my left knee!! The outside IT band is killing me! I can't bend my knee or go upstairs! I am panicking a bit because I had a flair up a couple of years ago and couldn't run for a couple of months! It started hurting at 12K and I pushed it until the finish at 16k. I knew it was going to hurt but I just didn't want to give up. I am going to ice my knee and rub some gel I have for it and take anti inflammatory medication and rest for a few days. It is really frustrating to feel so go after running, but to have an injury. I definitely have to focus on some strengthening exercises for my hip flexors so that I can run the HM without this problem!!!

Well, after thinking about it for a few weeks, I decided I'm going to spend the summer training for the Newport Liberty Half Marathon on September 22 in Jersey City, NJ! The start line is exactly 1 mile from my apartment, and the course goes through my neighborhood two times! I figured if I was going to do a half, this had to be it. Being at sea level, the course is flat and has great NYC views. I never thought I would be excited to run 13.1 miles!

At this point my goal is to finish, and at this point I think I could comfortably finish in 2:30.

I am doing LibertyRun HM on May 25, and might do Newport as well. Good luck. I plan to run the Liberty course as my last long run before the HM.

I am running my first half in July here in Seattle. Its the See Jane Run Women's half...I have to say the last week has not been a good one. I've been feeling tired and un motivated. I have cut some of my runs this weeks by a mile or two and taken walk breaks as well as taken them all easy. I have gotten to a point of fitness that I dont ever feel the need to have walk breaks. I dont know whats going on!

I have a 10 miler scheduled for this weekend, and my goal is to go the whole 10 without walk breaks. Then it will be a major reset next week, not only physically but mentally. I gotta figure this one out!

Any suggestions or tips that have worked for anyone in their training??

Just finsihed my first half Cassidy and I remember some weeks like the one you are describing. I think sometimes we just increase our work load to the point where we have taxed ourselves a little too much too fast. Think cutting runs short is fine, but think if you have a few days of being worn out then makes sense to take an extra day off (especially if you are running 5/6 days a week). It is possible that it is sleep, food or water but you would probably have figured that out. So yeah I would take an unscheduled day off and then see how you feel. We are all unique and think you will learn your body through some trial and error. For me I run my best after two days off. I know I cant do that in regular training but when I need to take two days off in a row, I find I come back reset and ready to go. I also think it should be fun, and it is fun when you are sitting at home and you just feel you need to run.

The other thing that will happen eventually is that you feel tired and then you just know you can still run and you go and run and after a few miles you start to feel good. The trick there is to start slow and then just see if you have it or not. But soon you will find that you can run through the tiredness better than you can now. You will find I think that it is normal to have to slog out a couple of training runs until you take your rest day to get back in synch. There is a fine line i think between the times when you should take a day off and the times when you should slog through a run. I think the experienced runners learn their bodies and are able to make the call more accurately than we can when we start.

Like for example I ran my half this past Sunday, my legs were wooped two days after, i went out anyway, but the runs probably did not give me too much as I am still recovering from the week end. It is a tight call what to do. What i do though is protect my weekly long runs. I make sure I am feeling pepper for the long runs.

Blake- Thank you for the advice and personal story. I have promised myself that I would take this weekend to reset and re align my goals. I also have to remind myself that this is my first HM and it will of course be a PR! Nothing to worry about there . I know that once I take the rest and reset, I will feel much much better!

Oh man! Just ran my first 12 mile long run and I am totally pooped! lol

Ran 12 miles in 1:49:56, making my average pace 9:10. Ran on a local nature trail that is just a tiny bit over three miles, so I started my watch and just ran four laps. I told myself I wasn't even going to look at time, I was just going to let my body and my brain judge the distance. Luckily enough even without pacing myself I am still running good times to finish my first half under 2 hours. Super excited only a month out. Probably gonna take it east this next week and rest for my warrior dash 5K this weekend, and then follow that with one last strong week and a good long run. Then comes the two taper weeks... those are gonna be so hard! lol What will I do with all of that extra time?!

I guess my comment was twofold, I've never understood how people can come close to their race pace [for teh full distance or close to it] in training and is there any question you won't go sub-2 in two weeks?

I guess my comment was twofold, I've never understood how people can come close to their race pace [for teh full distance or close to it] in training and is there any question you won't go sub-2 in two weeks?

No, I don't think so. Not unless I get sick or an injury happens.

I suppose I might actually run it faster on race day because I will have more there to motivate me, plus I will have a lot of rest from all of my tapering, so my legs wont get tired as quickly. Guess I will find out!

Hi all. Just wanted to ask if there is a link on this site, or any other that you know of, that gives good reviews on half-marathons. Looking at doing my first one this year sometime, but I would like to review them first on registration processes, how they are organized, the route, etc....not sure if there is something like that but any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Nice, easy 5 miles today in 52:36. It's a little warm here today (high 70s) but there was a nice breeze. I also used it as an excuse to try out hydrating with gatorade during the run, which I haven't really dong before. It was actually fine while I was running my now (about an hour afterwards) I feel a bit queasy.

I can't believe I'm only 4 more training runs away from my half. I'm doing 8 or 9 on Sunday and then next week 4 on Tues, Some speedwork amounting to 5K on Wed, 3 or 4 EASY on Thurs. Then 100% rest days from all running and cross-training Fri/Sat. Half is on the 19th at 9 am.

I am beyond excited about this race. I'm not sure I've really thought about anything else for a week now.

Hi all. Just wanted to ask if there is a link on this site, or any other that you know of, that gives good reviews on half-marathons. Looking at doing my first one this year sometime, but I would like to review them first on registration processes, how they are organized, the route, etc....not sure if there is something like that but any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Ranger, I'm no expert in picking races, but my suggestion would be to find one locally that is far out enough to train for. Here in Michigan, we have a great running site - RunMichigan. You could also check out some half marathon sites like half marathons. Keep us posted.,..

Originally Posted by slcathena:

Nice, easy 5 miles today in 52:36. It's a little warm here today (high 70s) but there was a nice breeze. I also used it as an excuse to try out hydrating with gatorade during the run, which I haven't really dong before. It was actually fine while I was running my now (about an hour afterwards) I feel a bit queasy.

I can't believe I'm only 4 more training runs away from my half. I'm doing 8 or 9 on Sunday and then next week 4 on Tues, Some speedwork amounting to 5K on Wed, 3 or 4 EASY on Thurs. Then 100% rest days from all running and cross-training Fri/Sat. Half is on the 19th at 9 am.

I am beyond excited about this race. I'm not sure I've really thought about anything else for a week now.

My race is a month out and I'm all excited. Cant wait to hear your race story!

I have just started training for a half-marathon next year. I have always been a walker, not a runner, so this is a new challenge for me. I think I can do it, but I'm joining these forums to get a bit of support while I'm training -- posting about it should make me feel accountable and therefore more likely to continue when I feel like I hate running (because I'm sure that is going to happen!).

Ambulator – looking to see when you flash a long run with your great speed.

Fmficarra – yeah 4 days I think is pretty normal, that is what it took me to feel good after my first half, plus I have read a couple of books that have both said 4 days is the repair cycle. But yeah for sure if it goes longer than that check with a doc. Like Moth said, If you made yourself feel that bad off a race then you are very tough and must have left it all out there.

Slc – so into the last week, pretty exciting, I like your taper, but heh don’t force the speed work, do what seems comfortable that day. Love when you say “beyond excited” running is so simple but amazing how good it feels, wish I knew that 30 years ago.

Allyson – hooly craap, you are fast and strong, can see you shooting for 1:40 or something crazy like that. And Moth is right, I did not know either before the half, but the race itself gives you about a minute a mile versus best training at the same distance. But it is so hard to set the pace in the first 6 miles or so. Really interested to know how you plan out your run when you get there.

Bryce – great to see you posting more and more, will be following you all the way as I am sure the others here will be too. You have the same basic pattern as I had so interesting.

Thebop5 – 10 in 82 that is great, I remember so well, my first lengthy run when I actually felt like I was fast was 10 in 81:10. So that 10 minute threshold is a big one I think for long runs. Next Saturday for sure you will crack 10 mins on the half. Well I hope so anyway. Good luck with your taper.

Kara Starbuck Thrace – welcome to the thread, keep us all posted, hope you get the bug.

Cassidy – yeah think what you are facing is pretty well the norm, let us know when you break through, (Monday maybe)

Jcjoy – welcome, nice to hear your plans

KC --- woot nice 10 miler, but sorry about the pain, but for sure take it easy, you seem to love running, so be sure to take the cautious side. As you say, there are lots of work outs to strengthen your hip flexors. Be sure to give them a good try. But also you know that at your current fitness 10 at 10:00 is demanding. I know my pain comes in around 15 miles right now and know I have to be careful moving up from there.

I am taking today and tomorrow off. Have a 10k race Sunday and want a good PB as never ran at this level of fitness before and might be a year before I do a 10k race again so want to put down a decent number for me which is perhaps a 50. (but 51 is ok too)

I guess my comment was twofold, I've never understood how people can come close to their race pace [for teh full distance or close to it] in training and is there any question you won't go sub-2 in two weeks?

No, I don't think so. Not unless I get sick or an injury happens.

I suppose I might actually run it faster on race day because I will have more there to motivate me, plus I will have a lot of rest from all of my tapering, so my legs wont get tired as quickly. Guess I will find out!

Exactly, not to mention the confidence and experience from this 12 miler [not that I'm advocating 12 mile half marathon pace runs this close to your race]. The longest such workout I've completed was 3x5k w/2:00 recovery intervals. I'd intended to go at race pace [7:21] but ended up averaging 7:30 for each 5k segment. This was three weeks before my goal half marathon. I believe the longest continuous workout at race pace was 8 miles.

Hello! I know I haven't posted recently, but just wanted to share with everyone that I am officially a First Time 1/2 Marathoner!!! My race was last Sunday, May 5th and I think that I can finally put my thoughts into full and complete sentences. I really can't believe that I did it and think I am still in shock to some degree.

I used Hal Higdon's Novice 2 plan to train and although I am still slow, I have seen such an improvement from where I started. More importantly, this improvement came along naturally and just through consistency. I did not use speed drills, hill workouts, tempo runs, etc.- technical running like that scares me and I think would kill some of the happiness/joy that I get from running.

The Long Branch 1/2 Marathon in NJ had a very early start, 6:45 am- so I was up by 3:45 to make sure I was dressed and ready in time. I figured that traffic would become a nightmare if I left later and I wasn't sure how tight security would be after Boston's tragic events. As I have been doing since my first bad 8 mile run, went out on an empty stomach and carried 6 Cliff Energy Shot Bloks- one for every 2 miles.

From the start my main goal was to just finish, although when I registered for the race, I was estimating about a 2:45 finish time based on my 12-13 min/miles. Based on that I was slated for corral E- the very last corral. There were so many people for Corral E, that we couldn't actually fit in the corral- many of us were lined up right outside it and had to wait until the wave moved up. As I mentioned before, I definitely improved my pace during training and set a lofty goal of 2:25 based on my last several long runs. I had printed out a pacing band through http://mymarathonpace.com/Pacing_Spreadsheets.html.

As someone who runs alone, I can't fully describe how different running in a race setting is for me. Some things that took time to get adjusted to: people weaving in and out around you, snot rockets shot in your direction, cups thrown all over the floor at the fluid stations- although I made sure to throw mine out in the garbage, and having cups flung in your direction with liquid still in them. There is something to be said about the energy that you get from the crowd and your fellow runners. I love that runners come in all shapes, sizes and ages. I truly am proud of anyone who puts forth the effort to run an endurance race.

In my training, my longest run was 12 miles. The last mile marker that I remember seeing was for mile 9. I remember a spectator shouting out mile 10 is just around the corner- so I said out loud, this is not a 1/2 marathon, we are running a 5K! But I am not going to lie....the last 3 miles were very hard and I had to push through. My concept of time and distance was off since I chose to not GPS this race. I had did a training run through the organizer's of this race and that threw me off to because the order was different on race day. Once we hit the boardwalk, I was expecting the finish line to be a lot closer than it was. That very last mile and a 1/2 was torture at times. I couldn't believe how some people were walking when we were so close. I focused on these 2 girls ahead of me and became like a woman possessed and ran like I never ran in my life. But I underestimated how far we had to go and had to slow the pace down somewhat, a few hundred feet away from the finish and those girls ran past me and crossed first. After crossing, I was in a state of shock and disbelief. I couldn't form full thoughts or sentences. I drank the water that was given took a bite of the banana and then grabbed the Philadelphia Pretzel Factory pretzels that they were giving out. I couldn't consume it fast enough! I found my 2 other friends who were running and we scanned our bibs to get official times- they both PR'd with sub 2 hour times. No matter what my time said, it would be an automatic PR for me. I was shocked to see 2:13:09- a 10:09 min/mile is SUPER fast for me, so I am thrilled.

I was surprised I was not more emotional that day. I really think it was due to being in shock and disbelieving myself. Later on that day, I celebrated with my husband and daughter, enjoying 2 frozen strawberry margaritas and chicken fajitas.

I had the foresight to take Monday off and I am glad that I did! I popped 2 naproxens, drank a bunch of water, snacked all day and stayed on the couch. I was super sore and going down the stairs was painful. I was sore on Tuesday too, but decided to see if a slow recovery run would help or if people were just BSing. I did 3 miles and to my surprise, it did help a lot. I also ran 3 miles on Wed and Thurs.

I don't exactly know what to do next- this race has been my focus for the 3 1/2-4 months. I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I also feel like something is "missing". In June, I have a 5K race that I will be running with my 10 yr old daughter and her FitGirls team and we are also registered for an obstacle race. Several friends are running the Brooklyn Half marathon next Saturday and I am debating if I could/should do that. If I don't do that race, I will most likely go back to my running 6 miles every other day like I was pre-training.

Thank you so much if you took the time to read this! I know my family and co-workers are probably sick to death of hearing me talk about running. It is nice to talk to people who understand.

Congratulations to all of my fellow 1st time 1/2 Marathoners and good luck to all of you who have races coming up!

I ran 8 miles today in 79:02 which was faster than my last 8 mile run by 3.5 minutes. I was trying to keep things slowed down but really felt a little antsy and prob was a little too fast from mile 3-7. That's it, that was my last long run before the half. I have 3 little 3 milers left and then my race.

This is my first post. I've read some of your stories and they are amazing! Very inspiring!

I need your advice. Let me introduce myself: I am in my 40s, 5.10, 192lb. I haven't been exercising much for the past 10 years. Half a year ago I decided to change that. I started with long walks, then to the gym, and only recently running. I will take part in my first Half Marathon in a month. Last week I run 10 miles for the first time and today I run 13.5 miles for first time. The problem is that I am very slow, I almost walk. Today, I averaged about 15 min/mile. I needed about 3 hours 18 mins for the 13.5 miles, and this was "running" on a nice flat surface. It will be much harder during the actual half marathon because there are a lot of hills.

So, I have two questions:

1. If I am too slow, are they going to kick me out of the race?

2. What is the best strategy to improve my time in just a month?

Should I run short distances as fast as I can, or longer distances? Is it better to do weights or just forget the gym for a month? I do not want anything amazing, just to finish in under 3 hours. If I achieve that I will be happy! And I will try to improve for next year.

Congratulations Mair on your first HM! Great job finishing so much faster than expected!!!

Nick: the races that you entered should say whether or not the have time limits. If it doesn't say anything on the website you may want to send an email asking. No one will judge you for asking and I am sure that they don't like to remove people from races. Let them honestly know what your expected time is. As far as building speed, I am not sure how much speed you can build in a month, but you should be doing both long runs and short runs. Try to add a little bit of speed into both runs by spimply increasing your speed a bit for 30 seconds a time a few times throughout and then 1 min at a time. I think that is probably the best strategy with just a few weeks left. Trying to go out and run full speed over too much distance will probably end up doing more harm than good. Remember that it doesn't matter how fast you run, only that you run, you keep running and that you enter the race in the first place! Your way faster than everyone standing around eating hotdogs on the sidelines!!!

I rested my knee for 2 full days and ran just 1 mile yesterday to test the IT band. No pain! Tonight I'm going to do an easy run with my daughters and tomorrow back with the running group! It is now time to work on SPEED! One of the runners is a retired Belgian champion who just loves running and working with anyone running. I'm going to ask him advice on building speed. My goal is a sub 2 hour HM in Oct!!!! At the pace I ran the 10 miles I need to knock 11 minutes off my time. I am sure I can do it. I think if I can run 13 without the knee pain I can do it! I ran last week at a conversational pace thw whole way. I had plently left in the tank, just not in the knees!

Welcome to the thread Nick. Check the webpage / contact race director and see what / if they impose cutoffs. Most races do as it costs $$$ the longer you keep the course open. Most races will force you to the sidewalk [unaided] if you're behind the sweep vehicle. You can finish but you will be unaided; no traffic control, aid stations. If you think this might be remotely a possibility OR you'll become separated from the field I suggest you drive the course and carry a detailed course map. Do not expect the volunteers to be at every turn and know the course. Check last year's results, that should give you a good idea about cutoffs and how many ran at your projected pace.

Unfortunately, for someone like you there isn't much you can do in the last month. You make gains in endurance over the course of many months [and years] not weeks. I would not make radical changes; like adding a bunch of speedwork. Instead keep doing what you're doing, make subtle changes with volume or up tempo workouts.

I would do a stamina workout once per week; tempo run @ faster than race pace but where you're running continuously for 3-5 miles. Do your last long run two weeks before the race and 10 days before the race start your taper; keep the same frequency but drop a mile or 2 from each run. The weekend before I wouldn't run more than 7-8 miles for your last long run. Be mindful of any aches and pains, take a day or two off if needed

This is my first post. I've read some of your stories and they are amazing! Very inspiring!

Welcome to the thread! KC & Moth said everything I would have said re: advice, but I did want you to know that it's nice to see new faces here and I look forward to hearing about your runs.

Originally Posted by kc_king:

I rested my knee for 2 full days and ran just 1 mile yesterday to test the IT band. No pain! Tonight I'm going to do an easy run with my daughters and tomorrow back with the running group! It is now time to work on SPEED! One of the runners is a retired Belgian champion who just loves running and working with anyone running. I'm going to ask him advice on building speed. My goal is a sub 2 hour HM in Oct!!!! At the pace I ran the 10 miles I need to knock 11 minutes off my time. I am sure I can do it. I think if I can run 13 without the knee pain I can do it! I ran last week at a conversational pace thw whole way. I had plently left in the tank, just not in the knees!

Happy Running Everyone!!!!!

Glad to hear the IT Band is better. I won't know the pace of my HM for a few days yet, but I think my next goal will be sub 2 as well. I was thinking of doing a HM in Sept and another in Nov.

Nick- Congratulations on making a commitment to better yourself! The first step is always making the commitment. What everyone has mentioned about training in such a small amount of time is very true, and my advice to you would be to just focus on finishing.

I look forward to hearing all about it!

Did my long run this weekend before the start of my "reset" week. Planned for 10, went for 8 miles on Saturday. Good news: No walk breaks and an very steady pace. Bad news: I need new shoes!! My current pair have just hit about their 300 miles mark, and I myself know I am a "hard runner", meaning I hit the pavement a little harder, something I am working on and am very aware of, but sometimes it gets lost in translation with focusing on all other aspects of running. So, at about 7 miles the balls of my feet were killing me! Also started to feel it in my ankles a little. Not usual spots for me to feel pain, but a definite signal to get new kicks. Continued on to mile 8, when the shoe weakness started to reverberate into other parts of the legs. So this weekend will be perfect for the new pair.

Planning for four runs this week at 4 miles each, easy pace, with a concentration of re-focusing my goal and training goals. Hope to get the new shoes and start working them in.

Hope everyone has a good start to their week and a successful training week!

Remove From Your Block List

Manage Follow Preferences

Block

When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.